Prof. Neil's research interests are in physics beyond the standard model, particularly its signatures in collider and dark matter experiments, and more generally in the physics of strongly-coupled elementary particles, which he studies numerically using large-scale computing. His particular interests include composite Higgs and composite dark-matter models, precision calculations of Standard Model predictions such as hadronic contributions to the muon (g-2), and the phase structure of many-fermion, strongly-coupled gauge theories.
keywords
elementary particle physics, collider phenomenology, dark matter, quantum field theory, lattice gauge theory, high-performance computing, large-scale data analysis, statistical analysis, machine learning
PHYS 2210 - Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Methods 1
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2023
Theoretical Newtonian mechanics, including position and velocity dependent forces, oscillation, stability, non-inertial frames and gravitation from extended bodies. Ordinary differential equations, vector algebra, curvilinear coordinates, complex numbers, and Fourier series will be introduced in the context of the mechanics.
PHYS 2600 - Introduction to Programming and Scientific Computing
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2022
Covers basic concepts in programming and scientific computing, including numerical integration and simulation of physical systems. Students will learn the programming language Python and associated graphics libraries. Programming examples will be drawn from classical physical systems that can only be solved numerically, such as projectile motion with drag and N-body problems. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 2600.
PHYS 3210 - Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Methods 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian treatment of theoretical mechanics, including coupled oscillations, waves in continuous media, central force motion, rigid body motion and fluid dynamics. The calculus of variations, linear algebra, tensor algebra, vector calculus, and partial differential equations will be introduced in the context of the mechanics.
PHYS 5070 - Introduction to Computational Physics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Spring 2022
Surveys methods and practices in programming and scientific computing for the study of physics, using the Python programming language. Core material will include data analysis and visualization, numerical solution of differential equations, working with large-scale remote computers, and general software skills such as debugging, version control, and collaborative tools. Previously offered as a special topics course.
PHYS 5250 - Quantum Theory 1
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Fall 2024 / Fall 2025
First course in the core graduate quantum mechanics sequence. Mathematical foundations, including Hilbert space and Dirac notation; operator methods and symmetries; exact solution of simple quantum systems, including the two-state system and harmonic oscillator; Schr�dinger equation and wave mechanics; angular momentum and spin; density matrices and entanglement. Recommended prerequisite: undergraduates may request to take this course after completing PHYS 4410 or another advanced undergraduate quantum mechanics course.
PHYS 5260 - Quantum Theory 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2025 / Spring 2026
Continuation of the graduate quantum mechanics sequence. Approximation methods, including time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory and variational methods; advanced symmetry concepts including gauge symmetry and spherical tensors; quantum scattering theory; interaction of matter with electromagnetic fields. Recommended prerequisite: PHYS 5250.
